Bobby Au Yeung » Chai Foon-Chong
Michael Miu » Kiu Ching-Cho
Bosco Wong » Chai Foon-Lok (Cheung Loi-Foo)
Jessica Hsuan » Li Ching-Wan
Tavia Yeung » Tam Chu-Mei
Synopsis:
Chai Foon-Chong (Bobby Au Yeung) had not won a single game since his defeat in the International Poker Tournament twenty years ago. It was the bad luck he had all these years that had earned him a job in the casino. And ironically, the man who hired him was one of his former competitors Kiu Ching-Cho (Michael Miu).
Foon-Chong got reunited with his long-lost brother Chai Foon-Lok (Bosco Wong) through a compulsive gambler named Li Ching-Wan (Jessica Hsuan). Foon-Lok had grown to be a reclusive adolescent with an extraordinary gift for gambling. Ching-Cho recognized Foon-Lok’s talent and offerd to teach him different gambling skills. On the surface, Ching-Cho was a great mentor and friend who looked out for Foon-Lok and Foon-Chong in every way, but in reality he had been trying to create discord between the brothers. As a matter of fact, it was Ching-Cho who set Foon-Chong up and caused his downfall. Ching-Cho kept fanning the flames of conflict between Foon-Chong and Foon-Look, turning them into bitter rivals on the gambling front …
Credit: http://bosco-wong.com/work/series/dicey-business/
Review:
Plot - In general I find that the scriptwriters did a good job on this drama. This drama has its fair share of ups and downs although there are parts which im not so convinced. One weakness i feel in this drama is that the intensity of the drama varies greatly throughout. In the first few episodes, i understand that there is a need to introduce the characters properly, but not at the expense of the story-telling.. I feel that it drags somewhat until the 9th or 10th episode.. From then on, the pace is okay but it goes downhill again on the last episode when everything just went too fast! I alr expected not to anticipate too much at the final episode cos tt's jus TVB but im still somewhat disappointed.. there's quite a num of ends not tied up and leaves me with various question marks. it may be better if the drama is extended to have a more complete ending..
Nevertheless, this drama offers a rare glimpse into the casino, unlike the Singapore's "The Unbeatables" series which mainly focus on the showhand/gambling kings/queens.. It somewhat reminds me of "All In" but it covers more depth in terms of the techniques used by casino customers and staffs to cheat and how to play showhand/poker! =D
Casts:
Bobby (Foon-Chong)
A good performance, though there are some scenes which I feel he overacted and my heart is not stirred by some of the supposedly touching scenes. Think Bobby is more adept in more comical/funny scenes. But his crying scenes are super good, kinda surprised cos Bobby tends to take on comedy roles in dramas that of course, does not require crying.
Overall, I still think Michael put up a more sturdy performance. (see below)
Michaeal (Cho)
Just one word: Terrific!
He reeks of maturity and masculinity in this drama. Cho is actually a complex character but Michael can brought out the passion, inner conflicts and anguish of the character very well. I think the actor is considered successful when the audiences can feel for him, which I did. & i nearly go ga-ga over him too.. haha.. cos his eyes really know how to 放电, can understand why Ching-Wan (Jessica) is in such a dilemma in the drama =P Furthermore, e chemistry between Michael and Jessica is good too, and a compatible cum confortable pair on-screen.
Bosco (Foo)
His acting skill is getting better and more mature.
& his style in this drama is definitely the best by far.
for the first time (in modern series) i label him as a 'leng zai', his stylist ought to dress him up in this way more often!!
fringes causally brushing against his brows + slightly curled but sweet smile = killer combi for female audiences
Looks aside, he also delivers in terms of acting.
He can handle the different types of scenarios well, though i think he can improve on his 'evil' scenes. Somehow he did not give me the cunning eyes/smiles/feelings tt i expect when he has something up his sleeves.
Jessica (Ching-Wan)
I can say Jessica is brave to take up this role as it deviates from her usual career woman roles
Ching-Wan, on apperance, is a happy-go-lucky person with a liking for gambling but deep down in her heart lies untold sorrow. Jessica brought out the two sides of her characters well, and she handles the gambling scene just well.. a bit of exagerration but not overboard.. good skills. on the whole, good performance though not exactly ground breaking..
Not forget to mention, she & michael forms a great pair.. pity that they do not end up together..
Tavia (Chu-Mei)
At times i cant stand her somewhat.
There is just a fine line between innocent and looking stupid and at times her facial expressions are just .......
& her voice is also quite weird. i din watch her other dramas in canto so i din know if wat i hear is this drama is her usual voice. but she sounded like a kid most times until i wonder if she (the character) is just innocent or is her IQ is below average..
one din need to have a kiddish voice to indicate innocence, IMHO e most impt elements are actually the eyes and body language
Conclusion: It is definitely worth watching. Be prepared for some slow scenes and a not-so-satisfactory ending though.
Rating: 7.5/10
